WILKINS, James Sutherland
James Sutherland Wilkins was born at Madras, India on 18 May 1851, third child and eldest son of James Wilkins (died 30 August 1900) and his wife Jane Maria née Smith (1822-8 December 1897), who married at Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk on 4 September 1842. In 1871, young James was a 19-year-old medical student, lodging at 23 Merrick Square, Newington, London and graduated from the London Royal College of Physicians in 1873 and was elected M.R.C.P. the following year and entered the Indian Medical Service. Promoted surgeon-major in 1886, surgeon lieutenant colonel in 1894 and colonel in 1894. Engaged in the second Afghan War in 1880 when he served in the relief of Kandahar; in Burma 1886-1887 and in South Africa in 1902, being recognised with several medals including the D.S.O. and the Queen's Medal with three clasps. He married at Worlingworth Parish Church, Suffolk on 7 September 1905, Dora Sophia Lee French (1864-16 September 1906), daughter of Revd Frederic French, vicar of Worlingworth and their son, James French Wilkins was born on 16 September 1906, but his wife died in childbirth. In 1911, James was living at Stayer House, Eye, Suffolk with his four-year-old son. James exhibited at the Suffolk Art and Aid Association in 1913, a pastel portrait. James Sutherland Wilkins died at Stayer House, Eye, Suffolk on 27 October 1916. His son died on 25 July 1971.